Pregnancy requires several medical tests and ultrasonic tests since they help in checking the health and growth of the fetus. The TIFFA scan is one type of ultrasound that is important in pregnancy.
The TIFFA scan is the TIFFA scan that gives detailed information about the organs of the fetus. Many expecting parents may be curious about when to conduct the TIFFA scan and what happens during the scan.
TIFFA is the acronym for Targeted Imaging for Foetal Anomalies, and it is an advanced scan performed during the second trimester of pregnancy. It is also referred to as Level 2 ultrasound or anomaly scan.
Unlike the early stage ultrasound, which focuses on confirming the pregnancy and its status, the TIFFA scan gets into detail about the growing fetus. The sound waves generate the images and do not use radiation in the process.
A TIFFA or mid-pregnancy anomaly scan is typically conducted when a woman is in her 18th to the 22nd week of pregnancy. However, different pregnancies or local medical practices may affect the timing of the scan as well as advice from either the obstetrician or foetal medicine specialist.
This is a very good time since many of the organs and body parts of the baby have already developed enough to make their assessment using the ultrasound possible, but there is still enough space around the baby to get good images.
Sometimes, not all of the required images can be taken during the first appointment due to the baby’s position or other technical reasons, and in this case, it might be suggested to repeat the scan.
A TIFFA scan is a detailed examination of various aspects of the baby’s body. The healthcare provider carries it out by examining different parts of the baby’s body including the head, face, brain, spine, chest, heart, abdomen, kidney, bladder, arms, legs, hands, and feet.
The baby’s growth is also evaluated by taking measurements of his or her skull, abdomen, and the longest bone.
TIFFA scan also checks the condition of the amniotic fluid and the placenta.
Depending on the addressed issues, the healthcare provider may also examine the pregnancy-related structures, for example, the cervix.
But the important point of this scan is evaluation of the cardiac activity by checking the heart in different views, which allow the specialist to assess heart’s chambers and its position.
The TIFFA scan will screen fetal structural abnormalities. It can potentially find problems in the brain, spine, heart, kidneys, abdomen, as well as in hands and legs, and other organs. However, it should be noted that no ultrasound can detect every condition. Some abnormalities can be hard to see, develop later during pregnancy, or may not be visible by ultrasound.
Therefore, having normal TIFFA results significantly helps in the antenatal assessment but will not be an absolute guarantee that the baby has no medical or developmental problems. If some unusual results are obtained, further ultrasound studies, consultations in maternal fetal medicine, etc., may be necessary.
Yes. Both types of scans are conducted at different points in time and can be used for different reasons.
An NT (Nuchal Translucency) scan is typically conducted earlier in a pregnancy than a TIFFA scan, usually when a fetus is between 11 and 14 weeks old. This scan measures the amount of fluid found in the region behind the infant’s neck, thus allowing for the screening of particular congenital diseases when combined with other findings or tests.
TIFFA scans, on the other hand, are conducted later and provide a closer examination of the fetus’s anatomy and development.
An NT scan does not typically take the place of a second-trimester anomaly scan where such a scan is deemed necessary.
TIFFA scan is considered to be a type of ultrasound scan; the patient gets placed on the examination table while gel is applied on her abdomen. After that the doctor or the sonographer moves the ultrasound on the abdomen in a way that different images of the child can be obtained.
Being a controlled investigation, the test may take longer than a simple pregnancy scan because the technician will require time to glean all of the details. The final duration depends on multiple factors like the child’s position in the womb, the number of movements, some maternal characteristics as well as the clarity of the required structures on the ultrasound.
There are various requirements depending on the specific diagnostic centre and the gestational age. Patients should be able to follow the instructions given to them when they make an appointment for the scan.
Bringing along older ultrasound reports, if available together the other relevant documents would help the doctor assess the pregnancy history.
Ultrasound technology has been well established during pregnancy for years. This technology does not use X-ray radiation in order to obtain the image. In this way, ultrasound is a well-established form of prenatal scanning. However, ultrasound scans have to be performed when needed and not only for the purpose of making souvenirs from the procedure.
Conducting a scan during the advised second trimester helps physicians to examine a variety of vital fetal structures at an adequate stage of fetal growth. If any issues arise that need further evaluation, the medical team can outline additional actions and pregnancy management procedures.
Aarna Diagnostic Centre offers pregnancy ultrasound services for pregnant women, including detailed fetal imaging which may be advised by the doctor. It is essential to determine the precise timing of the scans along with the type depending on the individual circumstances of one’s pregnancy.
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